Force-Sensitive Fingerprint Sensing Input

ABSTRACT

An object can depress an input device, such as, for example, a function button in an electronic device. A resistive element having a mechanically resistive force can be disposed to resist the depression or movement of the input device. One or more electrodes can be disposed to provide a measure of capacitance based on the depression of the input device. A shield can be disposed to reduce the parasitic capacitance between the one or more electrodes and the object. The electronic device can include a fingerprint sensor operably connected to at least one of the one or more electrodes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/775,563, filed Sep. 11, 2015, which is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 applicationof PCT/US2013/032683, filed Mar. 15, 2013, both of which areincorporated herein by reference as if fully disclosed herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application generally relates to an electronic device, and moreparticularly to an electronic device that includes a function button andthe electronic device is adapted to obtain fingerprint informationand/or to determine an applied force when the function button isdepressed.

BACKGROUND

The security of computing devices has become a greater concern as suchdevices incorporate or store more and more personal information.Biometrics are often touted as providing high security, since manybiometrics are difficult to spoof. However, biometric sensors may beslow and prone to error.

Certain biometrics may likewise have a greater application than justsecurity, presuming biometric input, enrollment and validation may beprovided quickly, safely and effectively. For example, a fingerprint maynot only provide access to a device for a user, but also serve as atoken or indicator for the user.

Additionally, many computing devices rely on binary inputs for userinteraction. For example, many computers use keyboards, mice and/ortrackpads for user input. Generally, these devices either register aninput or they do not. Many keyboards, for example, register an inputwhen sufficient force is applied to a key to collapse a dome switchbeneath the key. If insufficient force is applied, no input registered.Likewise, both the force necessary to barely collapse the dome and forcefar above that necessary to collapse the dome register as the exact sameinput. This is true of many input devices.

Capacitive sensing devices, such as touch screens, generally are alsobinary. A touch is sensed and an input generated, or no touch is sensedand there is no input.

Further, given the use of physical contacts, switches and the like ininput devices, altering a stack or layout of an input device may provechallenging. Thus, it may be difficult to incorporate new technologies,such as biometric sensing, into certain input devices like buttons,keys, mice and the like.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an object can apply a force to an input device in anelectronic device. One example of an input device is a function button.A resistive element having a mechanically resistive force can bedisposed to resist the applied force. By way of example only, theresistive element can include an elastomer or other deformable substanceor device that is disposed to resist the applied force. One or moreelectrodes can be disposed to provide a measure of capacitance based onthe applied force. The input device can include a shield that isdisposed to reduce parasitic capacitance between the one or moreelectrodes and the object.

In another aspect, the electronic device can include a fingerprintsensor operably connected to at least one electrode.

In another aspect, the resistive element can be disposed in a ring. Forexample, the resistive element can be disposed in a ring around afingerprint sensor. At least one electrode can be implemented aselectrode segments that can be disposed in different directions. Theelectrode segments can partially cover the resistive element. Theelectrode segments can be used by the electronic device to measure adirection of an applied force.

In another aspect, an electronic device can include an input device,such as a function button, depressible in response to an object applyinga force to or on the input device. A resistive element having amechanically resistive force can be disposed to resist depression of theinput device. A first electrode can include a first plurality of tinesor plates, and a second electrode can include a second plurality oftines or plates. The first plurality of tines or plates is interlacedwith the second plurality of tines or plates to provide a measure ofcapacitance based on an applied force.

In another aspect, an electronic device can include an input device,such as a function button, depressible in response to a force applied byan object. A resistive element having a mechanically resistive force canbe disposed to resist the applied force. A drive electrode can bedisposed over a sense electrode, and the drive electrode and the senseelectrode provide a measure of capacitance based on depression of thefunction button.

In another aspect, a method for determining an amount of an appliedforce can include resisting depression of an input device (e.g.,function button) by a resistive element having a mechanically resistiveforce and measuring a capacitance based on the applied force. By way ofexample only, the resistive element can include an elastomer or otherdeformable substance or device that is disposed to resist the forceapplied to the input device. The measured capacitance can be shieldedfrom parasitic capacitance from an object in proximity or in contactwith the input device.

In another aspect, the object can be a user's finger and a fingerprintimage of at least a portion of the user's finger can be obtained basedon the proximity or contact of the user's finger with the input device.

In another aspect, a direction of the applied force on an input devicecan be determined.

In another aspect, a method for operating an electronic device caninclude receiving an applied force measurement based on the depressionof an input device (e.g., function button), and receiving a fingerprintimage based on the depression of the input device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a conceptual drawing of a fingerprint sensor and forcesensor system.

FIG. 2 shows one example of a cross-section view of the function button110 taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a conceptual drawing of a circuit including electrodes anda shield.

FIG. 4 (collectively including FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, and FIG. 4D)shows a set of conceptual drawings of a fingerprint sensor and forcesensor system.

FIG. 5 (collectively including FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D)shows a set of conceptual drawings of a set of force sensor electrodes.

FIG. 6 shows a conceptual drawing of a set of directional force sensorelectrodes.

FIG. 7 shows a conceptual drawing of a method of operation.

FIG. 8 (collectively including FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B) shows a conceptualdrawing of a touch I/O device including a fingerprint recognitionsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

This application provides techniques, including devices and structures,and including methods, that can allow a device with a function button toprovide both a fingerprint image measurement and an applied forcemeasurement. In one set of embodiments, a set of electrodes formeasuring applied force can be disposed in the device for either amutual capacitance or a self-capacitance measurement of an appliedforce. A resistance element having a mechanically resistive force can bedisposed to resist the applied force. For example, the resistanceelement can be an elastomer or other deformable substance. For example,a rubber-like substance or other resistive element that resists theapplied force can be disposed so that the applied force compresses theresistive element and a capacitance change can be determined based onthat applied force. The change in capacitance can be used to determinean amount of applied force.

In one set of embodiments, the set of electrodes for measuring anapplied force can be disposed in one or more interlaced layers within afunction button, or an element connected thereto. This can have theeffect that when the function button is depressed by an object, such asa user's finger, the interlaced layers undergo a change in capacitancethat can be measured by an associated circuit or circuits (e.g., aprocessor). For example, if the interlaced layers are disposed so thatdepressing the function button causes individual pairs of electrostaticplates to be moved closer together, the capacitance change between thoseindividual pairs of electrostatic plates can be measured and used todetermine the applied force.

In one set of embodiments, the set of electrodes for measuring appliedforce can be disposed in more than one segment, with the effect that anapplied force applied in a particular direction can be determined bynoting how much of that applied force is applied to each particularsegment. For example, the set of electrodes can be disposed in a set ofsegments arranged around a perimeter of the function button, with theeffect that an applied force affects one or more electrodes most whenthe force is applied in the direction(s) or associated segment(s) of theelectrode or electrodes. Moreover, a processor determining the appliedforce can identify a difference between a force applied in one directionand a force applied in another direction, such as an opposite direction.By way of example only, the processor that determines a differencebetween the forces applied in the different directions can be adifferential sensor, circuit, or processor. The measured difference canprovide a measure of whether the applied force is actually being appliedat an angle or is being applied strongly on all segments.

Although this application describes exemplary embodiments and variationsthereof, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of thedisclosure. As will be realized, the disclosure is capable ofmodifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from thespirit and scope of the present disclosure. The drawings and detaileddescription are intended to be illustrative in nature and notrestrictive.

Terms and Phrases

The text “applied force”, and variants thereof, generally refers toforce, pressure, torque, or other components that relate to a degree towhich one or more physical objects (such as a user's finger) is pressingor pushing, twisting, or otherwise, exerting friction on a face of adevice. For a first example, applied force can refer to pressure on abutton (or other surface) by a user. For a second example, applied forcecan refer to an attempt to tilt or twist that button (or other surface)by the user. For a third example, applied force can refer to an attemptto turn a simulated dial or other user presentation on the device by theuser.

The text “fingerprint sensor”, “fingerprint sensor system”, and variantsthereof, generally refers to a device that retrieves fingerprintinformation. For example, a fingerprint sensor can include a device thatretrieves fingerprint information, determines if that fingerprintinformation matches a known fingerprint, and allows access to functionsof a device based on whether a match is found.

The text “fingerprint information”, and variants thereof, generallyrefers to one or more images of a user's finger or fingers, one or moreimages of a portion or portions of a user's finger(s), or data relatingto one or more fingerprints or portion(s) of fingerprint(s), such as tocompare with information maintained by a device or a remote server.

Fingerprint Sensor and Force Sensor System

FIG. 1 shows a conceptual drawing of a fingerprint sensor and forcesensor system.

A system 100 can include a function button 110, a fingerprint sensor120, and a force sensor system (as described herein). In one embodiment,the system 100 can include the function button 110, a fingerprint sensorsystem 120, a trim 130, a resistive element 140, a set of electrodes150, and a frame 160. For example, the trim 130 can be maintained withinthe frame 160, such as by the frame 160 holding the trim 130 against anyapplied force exerted by the user's finger.

The resistive element 140 has a mechanically resistive force in oneembodiment. By way of example only, the resistive element 140 can be anelastomer or other deformable substance or device, such as a spring. Theresistive element 140 is disposed to resist a force applied to thefunction button 110 to depress the function button.

The resistive element 140 is shown disposed around a perimeter of thefunction button 110, for example, in a ring. This can have the effectthat when an object, such as the user's finger, applies a force to thefunction button 110 to depress the button 110, the resistive element 140resists that force such that more force may be required to depress thefunction button 110.

A second resistive element having a mechanically resistive force (notshown) or a suitable adhesive material can be used to maintain a contactbetween the trim 130 and the frame 160. This can have the effect ofpreventing dust from entering the device and possibly causing foreignobject damage, and can have the effect of providing the trim 130 and theframe 160 with a relatively optimal degree of friction therebetween.

The fingerprint sensor 120 is shown positioned below the function button110 and relatively centered with respect to the function button 110.There is no particular requirement that the fingerprint sensor 120 berelatively centered with respect to the function button. However, in oneembodiment, it may be easier to obtain fingerprint information when thefingerprint sensor 120 is centered and a user's finger touches thecenter of the function button 110.

The resistive force provided by the resistive element 140 can serve tohold the electrodes 150 apart until the applied force is sufficient topush them together. This can have the effect that a capacitance measuredbetween the electrodes 150 can indicate how far apart the electrodes 150are, with the effect that the capacitance measured between theelectrodes 150 can indicate how much applied force was presented toovercome the resistive force of the resistive element 140.

A signal path 170 (such as a wire or other conductive node) can operablyconnect the fingerprint sensor 120 and the electrodes 150 (or directlyto the resistive element 140, as described herein). This can have theeffect that the fingerprint sensor 120 can assist in determining themeasure of capacitance between the electrodes 150, and, in someembodiments, can incorporate that measure of capacitance into its owndata. Alternatively, fingerprint sensor 120 can serve as a conduit totraffic data indicative of the capacitance between electrodes 150 toanother processing unit. In further alternative embodiments, electrodes150 can be operably coupled to a processing unit independently of thefingerprint sensor.

In some embodiments, a fingerprint sensor 120 can include a capacitivefingerprint sensor, to which the user can apply their finger, or aportion thereof, to input fingerprint information. Other embodiments,however, are not limited to a capacitive fingerprint sensor. Anysuitable fingerprint sensor may be used with embodiments and techniquesdisclosed herein. Suitable fingerprint sensors include capacitivesensors, ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, pyro-electric sensors, andso on. In one embodiment, the fingerprint sensor 120 includes adielectric element, such as the button 110, to which the user appliestheir finger, or a portion thereof, for capturing fingerprintinformation.

The fingerprint sensor 120 can be operably connected to a processor,which can maintain a fingerprint information database, and which canattempt to match the fingerprint information against information aboutknown fingerprints from known users. For example, when the processormatches the fingerprint information against a known fingerprint from anauthorized user, the processor can take one or more actions in responsethereto. In a first such case, the processor can authorize usage of adevice for an individual procedure, for a sequence of procedures, for aselected time duration, until a trigger indicating that the user is nolonger authorized, or until the user de-authorizes the device. In asecond such case, the user can de-authorize the device by turning thedevice off, or by handing the device to another user.

In one embodiment, the fingerprint sensor 120 can be connected to and beused to authorize a device. For example, the device can include a tabletcomputer or smart telephone, or similar device, or any other devicehaving touch device capability, the function button 110, or otherelements related to the nature of the technology described herein. Thedevice can include a processor (not shown in this figure), program anddata memory (not shown in this figure), and instructions (not shown inthis figure) directing the processor to perform functions as describedherein. The device can also include data memory (not shown in thisfigure) including fingerprint information, with respect to fingerprintsor other biometric information suitable for identifying andauthenticating one or more users of the device. For example, the datamemory can include one or more images of fingerprints, one or moretransformations of fingerprints suitable for matching, or otherinformation with respect to fingerprints.

Details of Button

FIG. 2 shows one example of a cross-section view of the function button110 along line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

In one embodiment, the function button 110 can include one or morelayers of material, including a lens 111, an ink layer 112, a shieldlayer 113, an insulator 114, and an electrode 115. For example, the lens111 can include glass, treated glass, chemically treated glass, crystal,ceramics, plastics, or other materials. The ink layer 112 can include asubstantially opaque ink, or an ink on which a substantially opaquepattern has been layered, with the effect that the user cannot generallysee below the ink layer 112 into the working of the device. The inklayer 112 is optional and can be omitted in other embodiments.

The shield layer 113 can include a conductive material, or othermaterial suitable for protecting the force sensor device fromcapacitance from an external object, such as the user's finger. Theinsulator 114 can include a substantially insulative (or otherwisehighly resistive) layer, with the effect of preventing electricalcurrent from flowing between the shield layer 113 and the electrode 115.The electrode 115 can include one of the electrodes 150 (as describedwith respect to FIG. 1, or can include another electrode 115 asotherwise described herein).

Electrodes and Shield

FIG. 3 shows a conceptual drawing of a circuit including electrodes anda shield.

As described herein, in one embodiment, a circuit 300 can include afirst electrode 150 a, such as one of the electrodes 150 described withrespect to FIG. 1, or such as the electrode 115 described with respectto FIG. 2, or such as a first electrode as described with respect toanother figure. The circuit 300 can also include a second electrode 150b, such as one of the electrodes 150 described with respect to FIG. 1,or such as the electrode 115 described with respect to FIG. 2, or suchas a second electrode as described with respect to another figure. Asdescribed herein, the first electrode 150 a and the second electrode 150b can be used as drive and sense electrodes in a mutual capacitancesensor.

In one embodiment, the circuit 300 can include a shield 113, such as theshield 113 described with respect to FIG. 2, or such as a shield asdescribed with respect to another figure. As described herein, theshield 113 can protect the measurement of mutual capacitance between thefirst electrode 150 a and the second electrode 150 b from a capacitanceintroduced by an object, such as the user's finger. The shield 113 canbe used to reduce parasitic capacitance between the first and secondelectrodes 150 a, 150 b and the object.

In alternative embodiments, the circuit 300 can include a firstelectrode 150 a, such as one of the electrodes 150 described withrespect to FIG. 1, or such as the electrode 115 described with respectto FIG. 2. As described herein, the first electrode 150 a and a separateconductor (such as a shield or a grounding element) can be used in aself-capacitance sensor.

A capacitance 320 can be measured between the electrodes 150 a, 150 b todetermine how far apart the electrodes 150 a, 150 b are, with the effectthat the capacitance 320 measured between the electrodes 150 a, 150 bcan indicate how much force was applied to overcome the resistive forceof an resistive element. For example, as force is applied to thefunction button, the distance between electrodes 150 a and 150 b candecrease. This can cause the capacitance between electrodes 150 a, 150 bto increase. The amount the capacitance increases is indicative of theapplied force.

In one embodiment, the electrical signals from the first electrode 150a, second electrode 150 b, and shield 113, or from just one electrode150 and a separate conductor, can be operably connected to a processor310. The processor 310 can be implemented with any suitable processingdevice, including, but not limited to, a microprocessor or anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 310 canmeasure the electrical signals and determine a measure of applied forcein response thereto.

Electrode and Shield Arrangements

Some possible arrangements of electrodes and a shield in self-capacitiveand mutual capacitive modes are shown:

In an embodiment using mutual capacitance, the first electrode 150 a canbe used as a sense electrode, the second electrode 150 b can be used asa drive electrode, and the shield 113 can be used as a groundingelement. The first electrode 150 a and the second electrode 150 b couldalso be reversed in this arrangement.

In an embodiment using self-capacitance, the first electrode 150 a canbe used as a sense electrode, the second electrode 150 b can be used asa grounding element, and the shield 113 can be used as a shield againstthe capacitance of the user's finger. The first electrode 150 a and thesecond electrode 150 b could also be reversed in this arrangement

Fingerprint Sensor and Force Sensor System

FIG. 4 (collectively including FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, and FIG. 4D)shows a set of conceptual drawings of a fingerprint sensor and forcesensor system.

Mutual Capacitance with Elastomer Below

FIG. 4A shows a first conceptual drawing of a fingerprint sensor andforce sensor system.

In one embodiment, the function button 110, the trim 130, and thefingerprint sensor 120 can be disposed as described with respect toFIG. 1. The trim 130 can be connected to ground. When a force is appliedto the function button 110, the function button 110 presses down on thefirst electrode 150 a (such as described with respect to FIG. 4), aninsulator 410, the second electrode 150 b (such as described withrespect to FIG. 4), and the resistive element 140. The resistive element140 can be connected to ground.

In such embodiments, when force is applied to the function button 110, ameasure of capacitance between the first electrode 150 a and the secondelectrode 150 b and ground is affected by the compression of theresistive element 140. The change in capacitance can be measured by thedevice. For example, the processor 310 (FIG. 3) can be used to determinethe capacitance between the first electrode 150 a and the secondelectrode 150 b. For example, as force is applied to the functionbutton, the distance between electrodes 150 a and 150 b can decrease.This can cause the capacitance between electrodes 150 a, 150 b toincrease. The amount the capacitance increases is indicative of theapplied force.

A signal path (not shown), such as a wire or other conductive node (seee.g., 170 in FIG.1) can operably connect the fingerprint sensor 120 tothe electrodes 150 (or directly to the resistive element 140). This canhave the effect that the fingerprint sensor 120 can determine themeasure of capacitance between the electrodes 150, and can incorporatethat measure of capacitance into its own data. For example, thefingerprint sensor 120 can incorporate that measure of capacitance intoits own measure of capacitance when computing a capacitance between thefingerprint sensor 120 and the user's finger. Alternatively, fingerprintsensor 120 can serve as a conduit to traffic data indicative of thecapacitance between electrodes 150 to another processing unit. Infurther alternative embodiments, electrodes 150 can be operably coupledto a processing unit independently of the fingerprint sensor.

Mutual Capacitance with Elastomer Between

FIG. 4B shows a second conceptual drawing of a fingerprint sensor andforce sensor system.

In one embodiment, the function button 110, the trim 130, and thefingerprint sensor 120 can be disposed as described with respect toFIG. 1. The trim 130 can be connected to ground. When force is appliedto the function button 110, the function button 110 presses down on thefirst electrode 150 a (such as described with respect to FIG. 4), theresistive element 140, the second electrode 150 b (such as describedwith respect to FIG. 4), and an insulator 420 between the secondelectrode 150 b and the trim 130. A spacing 430 (or another insulator)can be disposed so that the first electrode150 a does not contact thegrounded trim 130.

In such embodiments, when force is applied to the function button 110, ameasure of capacitance between the first electrode 150 a and the secondelectrode 150 b is affected by the compression of the resistive element140. The change in capacitance can be measured by the device. Forexample, the processor 310 (FIG. 3) can be used to determine thecapacitance between the first electrode 150 a and the second electrode150 b. For example, as force is applied to the function button, thedistance between electrodes 150 a and 150 b can decrease. This can causethe capacitance between electrodes 150 a, 150 b to increase. The amountthe capacitance increases is indicative of the applied force.

A signal path (not shown), such as a wire or other conductive node (seee.g., 170 in FIG. 1) can operably connect the fingerprint sensor 120 tothe electrodes 150 (or directly to the resistive element 140). This canhave the effect that the fingerprint sensor 120 can determine themeasure of capacitance between the electrodes 150, and can incorporatethat measure of capacitance into its own data. For example, thefingerprint sensor 120 can incorporate that measure of capacitance intoits own measure of capacitance when computing a capacitance between thefingerprint sensor 120 and the user's finger. Alternatively, fingerprintsensor 120 can serve as a conduit to traffic data indicative of thecapacitance between electrodes 150 to another processing unit. Infurther alternative embodiments, electrodes 150 can be operably coupledto a processing unit independently of the fingerprint sensor.

Self-Capacitance with Elastomer Between

FIG. 4C shows a third conceptual drawing of a fingerprint sensor andforce sensor system.

In one embodiment, the function button 110, the trim 130, and thefingerprint sensor 120 can be arranged as described with respect toFIG. 1. The trim 130 can be an insulator. When force is applied to thefunction button 110, the function button 110 presses down on a groundingelement 440, the resistive element 140, and the first electrode 150 a(such as described with respect to FIG. 4).

In such embodiments, when force is applied to the function button 110, ameasure of capacitance between the first electrode 150 a and thegrounding element 440 is affected by the compression of the resistiveelement 140. The change in capacitance can be measured by the device.For example, the processor 310 (FIG. 3) can be used to determine thecapacitance between the grounding element 440 and the first electrode150 a.

A signal path (not shown), such as a wire or other conductive node (seee.g., 170 in FIG. 1) can be operably connected between the fingerprintsensor 120 and the first electrode 150 a (or directly to the resistiveelement 140). This can have the effect that the fingerprint sensor 120can determine the measure of capacitance between the first electrode 150a and the grounding element 440, and can incorporate that measure ofcapacitance into its own data. For example, the fingerprint sensor 120can incorporate that measure of capacitance into its own measure ofcapacitance when computing a capacitance between the fingerprint sensor120 and the user's finger. Alternatively, fingerprint sensor 120 canserve as a conduit to traffic data indicative of the capacitance betweenelectrodes 150 to another processing unit. In further alternativeembodiments, electrodes 150 can be operably coupled to a processing unitindependently of the fingerprint sensor.

Self-Capacitance with Split Trim

FIG. 4D shows a fourth conceptual drawing of a fingerprint sensor andforce sensor system.

In one embodiment, the function button 110 and the fingerprint sensor120 can be disposed as described with respect to FIG. 1, along with afirst trim portion 130 a. An insulator 450 can be disposed between thefunction button 110 and the first trim portion 130 a. The first trimportion 130 a can be connected to ground. The first trim portion 130 acan be disposed above the resistive element 140, which, as shown in thefigure, is not necessarily disposed in a flat configuration. Theresistive element 140 can be disposed over a second trim portion 130 b,which can perform the function of the first electrode 150 a (such asdescribed with respect to FIG. 4).

In such embodiments, when force is applied to the function button 110, ameasure of capacitance between the first trim portion 130 a and thesecond trim portion 130 b is affected by the compression of theresistive element 140. The change in capacitance can be measured by thedevice. For example, the processor 310 (FIG. 3) can be used to determinethe capacitance between the first trim portion 130 a and the second trimportion 130 b.

A signal path (not shown), such as a wire or other conductive node (seee.g., 170 in FIG. 1) can be operably connected between the fingerprintsensor 120 and the trim portions 130 (or directly to the resistiveelement 140). This can have the effect that the fingerprint sensor 120can determine the measure of capacitance between the trim portions 130,and can incorporate that measure of capacitance into its own data. Forexample, the fingerprint sensor 120 can incorporate that measure ofcapacitance into its own measure of capacitance when computing acapacitance between the fingerprint sensor 120 and the user's finger.Alternatively, fingerprint sensor 120 can serve as a conduit to trafficdata indicative of the capacitance between electrodes 150 to anotherprocessing unit. In further alternative embodiments, electrodes 150 canbe operably coupled to a processing unit independently of thefingerprint sensor.

After reading this application, those skilled in the art will recognizethat the area between the first trim portion 130 a and the second trimportion 130 b is relatively largest in this configuration, with theeffect that the device can more easily measure differences incapacitance when the resistive element 140 is compressed.

Although this application is primarily described with respect to changesin capacitance when the resistive element 140 is compressed, theresistive element 140 could have other electrical properties. For afirst example, the resistive element 140 could have a difference inresistance when compressed, which could be measured by the device andused to determine (or help determine) an amount of applied force. For asecond example, the resistive element 140 could have a piezoelectriceffect, such that it changes in its own capacitance or other electricalproperties, which could be measured by the device and used to determine(or help determine) an amount of applied force.

Force Sensor Electrodes

FIG. 5 (collectively including FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D)shows a set of conceptual drawings of a set of force sensor electrodes.

Compressed Single Plates

FIG. 5A shows a first conceptual drawing of a set of force sensorelectrodes. A fingerprint sensor (e.g., 120 in FIG. 1) is not shown inFIG. 5A for simplicity. Alternatively, the fingerprint sensor can beomitted in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, a force applied on the function button 110 causes thefirst electrode 150 a and the second electrode 150 b to receivepressure, causing the first electrode 150 a and the second electrode 150b to move together when the resistive element 140 is compressed. Inanother embodiment, the resistive element 140 can be disposed asdescribed with respect to FIG. 4A. The capacitance of the two plateschanges based on the change in distance between the two plates. Thischange in capacitance can be measured by the device. For example, theprocessor 310 (FIG. 3) can be used to determine the capacitance changes.

Sideways Oriented Electrodes

FIG. 5B shows a second conceptual drawing of a set of force sensorelectrodes. A fingerprint sensor (e.g., 120 in FIG. 1) is not shown inFIG. 5B for simplicity. Alternatively, the fingerprint sensor can beomitted in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, a force applied on the function button 110 causes thefirst electrode 150 a and the second electrode 150 b to receivepressure, causing the second electrode 150 b to move relative to thefirst electrode 150 a when the resistive element 140 is compressed. Thiscan cause the tines on the first electrode 150 a and the secondelectrode 150 b to move closer together, with the effect that thecapacitance of the tines changes based on the change in distance betweenthe two sets of tines. This change in capacitance can be measured by thedevice. For example, the processor 310 (FIG. 3) can be used to determinethe capacitance changes.

The first and second electrodes 150 a, 150 b can be positionedperpendicular to a surface of the function button 110. The tines of thefirst and second electrodes can be disposed in parallel to a surface ofthe function button 110. The tines of the first electrode 150 a areinterlaced with the tines of the second electrode 150 b. The comb-likestructure of the first electrode 150 a and the second electrode 150 bcan maximize the sensitivity of the capacitance to force because thecomb-like structure maximizes the shared area between the tines. Themaximized shared area between the tines can also reduce or minimize theeffect of parasitic capacitances between the electrodes and an externalobject, such as a finger. A shield or shielding can be omitted from theembodiment shown in FIG. 5B due to the reduced sensitivity to parasiticcapacitances.

Additionally or alternatively, the resistive element 140 can be disposedas described with respect to FIG. 4A, where the resistive element isdisposed below the bottom tine of the second electrode 150 b.Alternatively, the first and second electrodes can be embedded in aresistive element.

Multiple Plates Pushed Together

FIG. 5C shows a third conceptual drawing of a set of force sensorelectrodes. A fingerprint sensor (e.g., 120 in FIG. 1) is not shown inFIG. 5C for simplicity. Alternatively, the fingerprint sensor can beomitted in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, a force applied on the function button 110 causes thefirst electrode 150 a (a moving electrode) to receive pressure, causingthe first electrode 150 a to move closer to the second electrode 150 b(a stationary electrode), causing the multiple plates of the firstelectrode 150 a to move closer to the multiple plates of the secondelectrode 150 b. The capacitance of the multiple plates changes based onthe change in distance between the two sets of plates. This change incapacitance can be measured by the device. For example, the processor310 (FIG. 3) can be used to determine the capacitance changes.

A resistive element 140 is disposed between the function button 110 andthe top plate of the first electrode 150 a in the illustratedembodiment. Additionally or alternatively, the resistive element 140 canbe disposed as described with respect to FIG. 4A, where the resistiveelement is disposed below the bottom plate of the first electrode 150 a.Alternatively, the first and second electrodes can be embedded in aresistive element.

Like the FIG. 5B embodiment, a shield or shielding can be omitted in theembodiment shown in FIG. 5C.

Multiple Plates Pushed Apart

FIG. 5D shows a fourth conceptual drawing of a set of force sensorelectrodes. A fingerprint sensor (e.g., 120 in FIG. 1) is not shown inFIG. 5D for simplicity. Alternatively, the fingerprint sensor can beomitted in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, a force applied on the function button 110 causes thefirst electrode 150 a (a moving electrode) to receive pressure, causingthe first electrode 150 a to move farther away from the second electrode150 b (a stationary electrode), causing the multiple plates of the firstelectrode 150 a to move farther away from the multiple plates of thesecond electrode 150 b. The capacitance of the multiple plates changesbased on the change in distance between the two sets of plates. Thischange in capacitance can be measured by the device. For example, theprocessor 310 (FIG. 3) can be used to determine the capacitance changes.

A resistive element 140 is disposed between the button 110 and the topplate of the first electrode 150 a in the illustrated embodiment.Additionally or alternatively, the resistive element 140 can be disposedas described with respect to FIG. 4A, where the resistive element isdisposed below the bottom plate of the first electrode 150 a.Alternatively, the first and second electrodes can be embedded in aresistive element.

Like the FIG. 5B embodiment, a shield or shielding can be omitted in theembodiment shown in FIG. 5D.

Directional Force Sensor Electrodes

FIG. 6 shows a conceptual drawing of a set of directional force sensorelectrodes.

In one embodiment, the electrodes can be disposed so that only a portionof the resistive element (not shown) is covered by those electrodes. Theresistive element can be disposed as described with respect to FIG. 1.This can have the effect that applied force can be measured only when aportion of an electrode or resistive element receives pressure from theuser's finger.

For a first example, the electrodes can be divided into segments, 150N(north), 150E (east), 150S (south), 150W (west), and 150C disposed at acenter (C) location. The set of electrode segments 150N, 150E, 150S, and150W can be disposed in different directions. In such cases, the devicecan determine if the force is being applied at an angle, such as (justfor example) if the electrode segment 150N receives significant appliedforce while the other segments do not. In such cases, the device canalso apply differential sensing, such as subtracting the applied forceon the electrode segment 150S from applied force on the electrodesegment 150N, with the effect that even relatively small angles ofapplied force can be detected. The electrode segment 150C can be used bythe device to determine if in fact the applied force is primarily centerdirected, even if there are small differences in the angle of appliedforce that are detected. By way of example only, a processor, such asthe processor 310 in FIG. 3, can be used to determine the differentialsensing.

For a second example, the electrode segments 150N, 150E, 150S, 150W, canbe divided into a different number of sections, such as eight, sixteen,and otherwise. It would also be possible to divide the electrodesegments into only three segments and still compute an angle of appliedforce.

Although the electrode segments 150N, 150E, 150S, 150W are shown asdivided into sections of a circle, in the context of the invention,there is no particular requirement for any such limitation. For example,the electrode segments can be extended and divided into pie-shapedsegments, or otherwise.

Method of Operation

FIG. 7 shows a conceptual drawing of a method of operation.

Although these flow points and method blocks are shown performed in aparticular order, in the context of the invention, there is noparticular requirement for any such limitation. For example, the flowpoints and method blocks could be performed in a different order,concurrently, in parallel, or otherwise.

Although these flow points and method blocks are sometimes described asbeing performed by the method 700, in one embodiment, they can beperformed by a processor in the device, or by hardware provided for thefingerprint sensor system. Although these flow points and method blocksare described as performed by a general-purpose processor, in thecontext of the invention, there is no particular requirement for anysuch limitation. For example, one or more such method blocks could beperformed by special purpose processor, by another circuit, or beoffloaded to other processors or other circuits in other devices, suchas by offloading those functions to nearby devices using wirelesstechnology or by offloading those functions to cloud computingfunctions.

At a flow point 700A, the method 700 is ready to begin.

At a block 712, the method 700 (that is, the device) receives a buttonpress from an object, such as the user's finger. The button press canhave at least some applied force associated therewith.

The method 700 conducts a set of blocks 722, 724, 726, and 728 withrespect to detecting the user's fingerprint, possibly concurrently witha set of blocks 732, 734, 736, and 738 with respect to measuring theapplied force.

At block 722, the method 700 attempts to determine the user'sfingerprint. In one embodiment, the method 700 receives a capacitivemeasure of fingerprint ridges and valleys from which the user'sfingerprint can be determined.

At block 724, the method 700 sends the fingerprint information to aprocessor (such as the fingerprint sensor 120 and possibly any otherprocessors connected thereto) to determine the fingerprint and any usersassociated with that fingerprint.

At block 726, the method 700 (that is, the device and any processorsassociated with this step) applies security rules with respect to thefingerprint. For a first example, if the fingerprint is associated witha user who is authorized to use the device, or a particular applicationor a particular user interface function, the device can allow this basedon the fingerprint. For a second example, if the fingerprint is notassociated with a user who is authorized to use the device, or isassociated with a user known to be unauthorized to use the device, or aparticular application or a particular user interface function, thedevice can disallow this based on the fingerprint.

At block 728, the method 700 (that is, the device and any processorsassociated with this step) sends the security results to the applicationor user interface function, based on which the application or userinterface function can allow or deny the user's attempt to use it.

After this block, the method 700 proceeds with the flow point 700B.

At block 732, the method 700 receives the applied force. As describedherein, in one embodiment, the applied force can be received by pressureon the resistive element 140. In alternative embodiments, the measure ofapplied force, and an angular direction thereof, can be received bypressure on one or more of the electrode segments described with respectto FIG. 6.

At block 734, the method 700 attempts to determine a measure of appliedforce. As described herein, in one embodiment, the measure of appliedforce can be determined based on a capacitive measure in response topressure on the resistive element 140. In alternative embodiments, themeasure of applied force, and an angular direction thereof, can bedetermined based on a capacitive measure in response to pressure on oneor more of the electrode segments described with respect to FIG. 6.

At block 736, the method 700 sends the measure of applied force to theforce sensor (as described herein), or to a processor or other computingdevice.

At block 738, the method 700 sends the measure of applied force to theapplication or the user interface element, which can determine whateffect should be presented to the user in response thereto. For a firstexample, the user can have a different effect presented in response to arelatively soft touch, in contrast with a relatively hard touch. For asecond example, the user can have a different effect presented based onan analog measure of applied force, such as an attempt to turn a dial orwheel, or push or turn a joystick, in a gaming application.

After this block, the method 700 proceeds with the flow point 700B. At aflow point 700B, the method 700 is over. In one embodiment, the method700 repeats as long as the device is powered on.

Touch I/O Device Including Fingerprint Recognition System

FIG. 8 (collectively including FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B) shows a conceptualdrawing of a touch I/O device including a fingerprint recognition systemand a force recognition system.

A touch I/O electronic device or system 1000 can include atouch-sensitive input/output (touch I/O) device 1006 in communicationwith computing system 1008 via communications channel 1010.

Described embodiments may include touch I/O device 1006 that can receivetouch input for interacting with computing system 1008 via wired orwireless communication channel 1002. Touch I/O device 1006 may be usedto provide user input to computing system 1008 in lieu of or incombination with other input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, orotherwise. One or more touch I/O devices 1006 may be used for providinguser input to computing system 1008. Touch I/O device 1006 may be anintegral part of computing system 1008 (e.g., touch screen on a laptop)or may be separate from computing system 1008.

For a first example, touch I/O device 1006 can interact with a user withthe user touching the touch I/O device 1006 with the user's finger (orotherwise bringing the user's finger near to the touch I/O device 1006),with the effect that the touch I/O device 1006 can receive fingerprintimage data, and optionally provide feedback to the user that thefingerprint image data was received.

For a second example, touch I/O device 1006 can interact with a userwith the user applying force to the touch I/O device 1006 with theuser's finger (or a tool, such as a stylus), with the effect that thetouch I/O device 1006 can receive applied force data, and optionallyprovide feedback to the user that the applied force data was received.

Touch I/O device 1006 may include a touch sensitive panel which iswholly or partially transparent, semitransparent, non-transparent,opaque or any combination thereof. Touch I/O device 1006 may be embodiedas a touch screen, touch pad, a touch screen functioning as a touch pad(e.g., a touch screen replacing the touchpad of a laptop), a touchscreen or touchpad combined or incorporated with any other input device(e.g., a touch screen or touchpad disposed on a keyboard, disposed on atrackpad, or other pointing device) or any multi-dimensional objecthaving a touch sensitive surface for receiving touch input, or anothertype of input device or input/output device.

In one example, touch I/O device 1006 embodied as a touch screen mayinclude a transparent and/or semitransparent touch sensitive panelpartially or wholly positioned over at least a portion of a display.According to this embodiment, touch I/O device 1006 functions to displaygraphical data transmitted from computing system 1008 (and/or anothersource) and also functions to receive user input. In other embodiments,touch I/O device 1006 may be embodied as an integrated touch screenwhere touch sensitive components/devices are integral with displaycomponents/devices. In still other embodiments a touch screen may beused as a supplemental or additional display screen for displayingsupplemental or the same graphical data as a primary display and toreceive touch input.

Touch I/O device 1006 may be configured to detect the location of one ormore touches or near touches on device 1001 based on capacitive,resistive, optical, acoustic, inductive, mechanical, chemicalmeasurements, or any phenomena that can be measured with respect to theoccurrences of the one or more touches or near touches in proximity todevice 1001. Software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof maybe used to process the measurements of the detected touches to identifyand track one or more gestures, fingerprints, or applied forces. Agesture, fingerprint, or applied force may correspond to stationary ornon-stationary, single or multiple, touches or near touches on touch I/Odevice 1006. A gesture, fingerprint, or applied force may be performedby moving one or more fingers or other objects in a particular manner ontouch I/O device 1006 such as tapping, pressing, rocking, scrubbing,twisting, changing orientation, pressing with varying pressure and thelike at essentially the same time, contiguously, or consecutively. Agesture, fingerprint, or applied force may be characterized by, but isnot limited to a pinching, sliding, swiping, rotating, flexing,dragging, or tapping motion between or with any other finger or fingers.A single gesture may be performed with one or more hands, by one or moreusers, or any combination thereof.

Computing system 1008 may drive a display with graphical data to displaya graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI may be configured to receivetouch input and applied force input via touch I/O device 1006. Embodiedas a touch screen, touch I/O device 1006 may display the GUI.Alternatively, the GUI may be displayed on a display separate from touchI/O device 1006. The GUI may include graphical elements displayed atparticular locations within the interface. Graphical elements mayinclude but are not limited to a variety of displayed virtual inputdevices including virtual scroll wheels, a virtual keyboard, virtualknobs, virtual buttons, any virtual UI, and the like. A user may performgestures at one or more particular locations on touch I/O device 1006which may be associated with the graphical elements of the GUI. In otherembodiments, the user may perform gestures at one or more locations thatare independent of the locations of graphical elements of the GUI.Gestures performed on touch I/O device 1006 may directly or indirectlymanipulate, control, modify, move, actuate, initiate or generally affectgraphical elements such as cursors, icons, media files, lists, text, allor portions of images, or the like within the GUI. For instance, in thecase of a touch screen, a user may directly interact with a graphicalelement by performing a gesture over the graphical element on the touchscreen. Alternatively, a touch pad generally provides indirectinteraction. Gestures may also affect non-displayed GUI elements (e.g.,causing user interfaces to appear) or may affect other actions withincomputing system 1008 (e.g., affect a state or mode of a GUI,application, or operating system). Gestures may or may not be performedon touch I/O device 1006 in conjunction with a displayed cursor. Forinstance, in the case in which gestures are performed on a touchpad, acursor (or pointer) may be displayed on a display screen or touch screenand the cursor may be controlled via touch input on the touchpad tointeract with graphical objects on the display screen. In otherembodiments in which gestures are performed directly on a touch screen,a user may interact directly with objects on the touch screen, with orwithout a cursor or pointer being displayed on the touch screen.

Feedback may be provided to the user via communication channel 1010based on the touch or near touches on touch I/O device 1006. Feedbackmay be transmitted optically, mechanically, electrically, olfactory,acoustically, or the like or any combination thereof and in a variableor non-variable manner. For example, feedback can include interactionwith a user indicating (A) that one or more sets of fingerprint imageinformation have been received, (B) that one or more sets of fingerprintimage information have been enrolled in a database, (C) that one or moresets of fingerprint image information have been confirmed as associatedwith the user, or otherwise. Similarly, feedback can include interactionwith the user indicating (A) that one or more sets of applied forceinformation have been received, (B) that one or more sets of appliedforce information have been interpreted.

Attention is now directed towards embodiments of a system architecturethat may be embodied within any portable or non-portable deviceincluding but not limited to a communication device (e.g. mobile phone,smart phone), a multi-media device (e.g., MP3 player, TV, radio), aportable or handheld computer (e.g., tablet, netbook, laptop), a desktopcomputer, an All-In-One desktop, a peripheral device, or any othersystem or device adaptable to the inclusion of system architecture 2000,including combinations of two or more of these types of devices. A blockdiagram of one embodiment of system 2000 generally includes one or morecomputer-readable mediums 2001, processing system 2004, Input/Output(I/O) subsystem 2006, radio frequency (RF) circuitry 2008 and audiocircuitry 2010. These components may be connected by one or morecommunication buses or signal lines 2003. Each such bus or signal linemay be denoted in the form 2003-X, where X is a unique number. The busor signal line may carry data of the appropriate type betweencomponents; each bus or signal line may differ from other buses/lines,but may perform generally similar operations.

It should be apparent that the architecture shown in the figure is onlyone example architecture of system 2000, and that system 2000 could havemore or fewer components than shown, or a different configuration ofcomponents. The various components shown in the figure can beimplemented in hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof,including one or more signal processing and/or application specificintegrated circuits.

RF circuitry 2008 is used to send and receive information over awireless link or network to one or more other devices and includeswell-known circuitry for performing this function. RF circuitry 2008 andaudio circuitry 2010 are connected to processing system 2004 viaperipherals interface 2016. Interface 2016 includes various knowncomponents for establishing and maintaining communication betweenperipherals and processing system 2004. Audio circuitry 2010 isconnected to audio speaker 2050 and microphone 2052 and includes knowncircuitry for processing voice signals received from interface 2016 toenable a user to communicate in real-time with other users. In someembodiments, audio circuitry 2010 includes a headphone jack (not shown).

Peripherals interface 2016 connects the input and output peripherals ofthe system to processor 2018 and computer-readable medium 2001. One ormore processors 2018 communicate with one or more computer-readablemediums 2001 via controller 2020. Computer-readable medium 2001 can beany device or medium that can store code and/or data for use by one ormore processors 2018. Medium 2001 can include a memory hierarchy,including but not limited to cache, main memory and secondary memory.The memory hierarchy can be implemented using any combination of RAM(e.g., SRAM, DRAM, DDRAM), ROM, FLASH, magnetic and/or optical storagedevices, such as disk drives, magnetic tape, CDs (compact disks) andDVDs (digital video discs). Medium 2001 may also include a transmissionmedium for carrying information-bearing signals indicative of computerinstructions or data (with or without a carrier wave upon which thesignals are modulated). For example, the transmission medium may includea communications network, including but not limited to the Internet(also referred to as the World Wide Web), intranet(s), Local AreaNetworks (LANs), Wide Local Area Networks (WLANs), Storage Area Networks(SANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) and the like.

One or more processors 2018 run various software components stored inmedium 2001 to perform various functions for system 2000. In someembodiments, the software components include operating system 2022,communication module (or set of instructions) 2024, touch processingmodule (or set of instructions) 2026, graphics module (or set ofinstructions) 2028, one or more applications (or set of instructions)2030, fingerprint sensing module (or set of instructions) 2038, andforce sensing modules (or set of instructions) 2039. Each of thesemodules and above noted applications correspond to a set of instructionsfor performing one or more functions described above and the methodsdescribed in this application (e.g., the computer-implemented methodsand other information processing methods described herein). Thesemodules (i.e., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separatesoftware programs, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets ofthese modules may be combined or otherwise rearranged in variousembodiments. In some embodiments, medium 2001 may store a subset of themodules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, medium 2001may store additional modules and data structures not described above.

Operating system 2022 includes various procedures, sets of instructions,software components and/or drivers for controlling and managing generalsystem tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, powermanagement, etc.) and facilitates communication between various hardwareand software components.

Communication module 2024 facilitates communication with other devicesover one or more external ports 2036 or via RF circuitry 2008 andincludes various software components for handling data received from RFcircuitry 2008 and/or external port 2036.

Graphics module 2028 includes various known software components forrendering, animating and displaying graphical objects on a displaysurface. In embodiments wherein touch I/O device 2012 is a touchsensitive display (e.g., touch screen), graphics module 2028 includescomponents for rendering, displaying, and animating objects on the touchsensitive display.

One or more applications 2030 can include any applications installed onsystem 2000, including without limitation, a browser, address book,contact list, email, instant messaging, word processing, keyboardemulation, widgets, JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digitalrights management, voice recognition, voice replication, locationdetermination capability (such as that provided by the globalpositioning system (GPS)), a music player, etc.

Touch processing module 2026 includes various software components forperforming various tasks associated with touch I/O device 2012 includingbut not limited to receiving and processing touch input received fromI/O device 2012 via touch I/O device controller 2032.

System 2000 may further include fingerprint sensing module 2038 forperforming the method/functions as described herein in connection withfigures as shown herein. Fingerprint sensing module 2038 may at leastfunction to perform various tasks associated with the fingerprintsensor, such as receiving and processing fingerprint sensor input. Thefingerprint sensing module 2038 may also control certain operationalaspects of the fingerprint sensor 2042, such as its capture offingerprint data and/or transmission of the same to the processor 2018and/or secure processor 2040. Module 2038 may also interact with thetouch I/O device 2012, graphics module 2028 or other graphical display.Module 2038 may be embodied as hardware, software, firmware, or anycombination thereof. Although module 2038 is shown to reside withinmedium 2001, all or portions of module 2038 may be embodied within othercomponents within system 2000 or may be wholly embodied as a separatecomponent within system 2000.

System 200 may further include force sensing module 2039 for performingthe method/functions as described herein in connection with figures asshown herein. Force sensing module 2039 may at least function to performvarious tasks associated with the force sensor, such as receiving andprocessing applied force sensor input. The force sensing module 2039 mayalso control certain operational aspects of the force sensor 2046, suchas its capture of applied force data and/or transmission of the same tothe processor 2018 and/or secure processor 2040. Module 2039 may beembodied as hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.Although module 2039 is shown to reside within medium 2001, all orportions of module 2039 may be embodied within other components withinsystem 2000 or may be wholly embodied as a separate component withinsystem 2000.

I/O subsystem 2006 is connected to touch I/O device 2012 and one or moreother I/O devices 2014 for controlling or performing various functions.Touch I/O device 2012 communicates with processing system 2004 via touchI/O device controller 2032, which includes various components forprocessing user touch input (e.g., scanning hardware). One or more otherinput controllers 2034 receives/sends electrical signals from/to otherI/O devices 2014. Other I/O devices 2014 may include physical buttons,dials, slider switches, sticks, keyboards, touch pads, additionaldisplay screens, or any combination thereof.

If embodied as a touch screen, touch I/O device 2012 displays visualoutput to the user in a GUI. The visual output may include text,graphics, video, and any combination thereof. Some or all of the visualoutput may correspond to user-interface objects. Touch I/O device 2012forms a touch-sensitive surface that accepts touch input from the user.Touch I/O device 2012 and touch screen controller 2032 (along with anyassociated modules and/or sets of instructions in medium 2001) detectsand tracks touches or near touches (and any movement or release of thetouch) on touch I/O device 2012 and converts the detected touch inputinto interaction with graphical objects, such as one or moreuser-interface objects. In the case in which device 2012 is embodied asa touch screen, the user can directly interact with graphical objectsthat are displayed on the touch screen. Alternatively, in the case inwhich device 2012 is embodied as a touch device other than a touchscreen (e.g., a touch pad), the user may indirectly interact withgraphical objects that are displayed on a separate display screenembodied as I/O device 2014.

Touch I/O device 2012 may be analogous to the multi-touch sensitivesurface described in the following U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,846 (Westerman etal.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,570,557 (Westerman et al.), and/or U.S. Pat. No.6,677,932 (Westerman), and/or U.S. Patent Publication 2002/0015024A1,each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Embodiments in which touch I/O device 2012 is a touch screen, the touchscreen may use LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, LPD (lightemitting polymer display) technology, OLED (organic LED), or OEL(organic electro luminescence), although other display technologies maybe used in other embodiments.

Feedback may be provided by touch I/O device 2012 based on the user'stouch input as well as a state or states of what is being displayedand/or of the computing system. Feedback may be transmitted optically(e.g., light signal or displayed image), mechanically (e.g., hapticfeedback, touch feedback, force feedback, or the like), electrically(e.g., electrical stimulation), olfactory, acoustically (e.g., beep orthe like), or the like or any combination thereof and in a variable ornon-variable manner.

System 2000 also includes a power system for powering the varioushardware components and may include a power management system, one ormore power sources, a recharging system, a power failure detectioncircuit, a power converter or inverter, a power status indicator and anyother components typically associated with the generation, managementand distribution of power in portable devices.

In some embodiments, peripherals interface 2016, one or more processors2018, and memory controller 2020 may be implemented on a single chip,such as processing system 2004. In some other embodiments, they may beimplemented on separate chips.

In addition to the foregoing, the system 2000 may include a secureprocessor 2040 in communication with a fingerprint sensor 2042, via afingerprint I/O controller 2044, or in communication with an appliedforce sensor 2046, via a for sensor controller 2048.

Sensed fingerprint data may be transmitted through the fingerprint I/Ocontroller 2044 to the processor 2018 and/or the secure processor 2040.In some embodiments, the data is relayed from the fingerprint I/Ocontroller 2044 to the secure processor 2040 directly. Generally, thefingerprint data is encrypted by any of the fingerprint sensor 2042, thefingerprint I/O controller 2044 or another element prior to beingtransmitted to either processor. The secure processor 2040 may decryptthe data to reconstruct the node.

Fingerprint data may be stored in the computer-readable medium 2001 andaccessed as necessary. In some embodiments, only the secure processor2040 may access stored fingerprint data, while in other embodimentseither the secure processor or the processor 2018 may access such data.

Sensed applied force data may be transmitted from the force sensor 2046through the force sensor controller 2048 to the processor 2018 and/orthe secure processor 2040. In some embodiments, the data is relayed fromthe force sensor controller 2048 to the secure processor directly.

Some embodiments have been generally described herein with respect to abutton, but it should be appreciated that the concepts and embodimentsdisclosed may work with, or be incorporated into, any number of inputdevices and elements. For example, embodiments described herein may beincorporated into the keys of a keyboard or a mouse surface. Likewise,some embodiments may be incorporated into a track pad, joystick, stylusor other input device. Accordingly, it should be understood thatreferences to a “button” are illustrative only and embodiments may beused with any number or variety of input devices.

While this invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes can be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt the teachingsof the invention to particular situations and materials, withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Thus, the invention is notlimited to the particular examples that are disclosed herein, butencompasses all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An input device for an electronic device,comprising: a button configured to depress in response to a touch by afinger; a fingerprint sensor positioned beneath the button andconfigured to capture a fingerprint image in response to the touch bythe finger; a resistive element positioned adjacent to the fingerprintsensor and configured to resist depression of the button; and a forcesensor positioned beneath the button and configured to sense a forceassociated with depression of the button.
 2. The input device as inclaim 1, wherein the force sensor comprises an electrode configured todetect a capacitance value indicating the force associated with thedepression of the button.
 3. The input device as in claim 2, wherein thefingerprint sensor is configured to capture the fingerprint image inresponse to the electrode detecting the touch by the finger.
 4. Theinput device as in claim 2, wherein the fingerprint sensor is configuredto capture the fingerprint image in response to the fingerprint sensordetecting the touch by the finger.
 5. The input device as in claim 1,wherein the resistive element comprises an elastomeric substanceconfigured to resist depression of the button.
 6. The input device as inclaim 1, wherein the resistive element comprises a spring configured toresist depression of the button.
 7. The input device as in claim 1,wherein: the force sensor is a first force sensor; the input devicefurther comprises a second force sensor positioned beneath the button;and the first and second force sensors cooperate to sense the forceassociated with the depression of the button.
 8. An electronic device,comprising: an input region depressible in response to an applied forceby a finger; a fingerprint sensor coupled to the input region andconfigured to capture a fingerprint image of the finger; a resistiveelement having a mechanically resistive force, the resistive elementdisposed adjacent to the fingerprint sensor and disposed to resistdepression of the input region; an electrode configured to provide ameasure of capacitance based on a depression of the input region; and aprocessor configured to determine an amount of the applied force basedon the measure of capacitance.
 9. The electronic device as in claim 8,wherein the fingerprint sensor is configured to capture the fingerprintimage in response to the measure of capacitance exceeding a threshold.10. The electronic device as in claim 9, wherein the thresholdcorresponds to a force required to depress the input region.
 11. Theelectronic device as in claim 8, wherein the fingerprint sensor isconfigured to capture the fingerprint image in response to thefingerprint sensor detecting the user's finger.
 12. The electronicdevice as in claim 8, further comprising a shield disposed over theelectrode and configured to reduce parasitic capacitance between theelectrode and the finger.
 13. The electronic device as in claim 8,wherein the resistive element comprises an elastomeric substancedisposed to resist depression of the input region.
 14. The electronicdevice as in claim 8, wherein the fingerprint sensor is operablyconnected to the electrode.
 15. An electronic device, comprising: aninput region depressible in response to an applied force by a finger; afingerprint sensor coupled to the input region and configured to capturea fingerprint image of the finger; a resistive element disposed adjacentto the fingerprint sensor and configured to resist depression of theinput region; a force sensor configured to provide a signal based on adepression of the input region; and a processor configured to determinean amount of the applied force based on the signal.
 16. The electronicdevice of claim 15, wherein the force sensor is coupled to the resistiveelement.
 17. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the force sensorcomprises an electrode configured to detect a capacitance valueindicating the applied force.
 18. The electronic device of claim 15,wherein the resistive element comprises an elastomeric substanceconfigured to resist depression of the input region.
 19. The electronicdevice of claim 15, wherein the resistive element comprises a springconfigured to resist depression of the input region.
 20. The electronicdevice of claim 15, further comprising a shield disposed over the forcesensor.